After Historic Flu Season: Vaccination Is Your Best Protection

(October 10, 2018)

Flu season has begun, and you may have seen the shocking news that the death toll from last year's flu season was the worst in 40 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the 2017-18 flu season caused approximately 80,000 deaths in the U.S. To compound matters, vaccination rates actually declined by more than 1 percent, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. All of this highlights the importance of vaccination this flu season.

Flu season begins as early as October, usually peaks between December and February, but may not end until as late as May. The seasonal flu vaccine is effective for about six months, so it's recommended that you get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available.

Vaccination against influenza is especially important for pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, and those with chronic health conditions, including asthma and COPD, as they are at a higher risk of developing influenza-related complications. Parents should be aware that the CDC recommends children 6 months through 8 years of age receiving a flu shot for the first time receive two doses approximately one month apart for optimal protection. Parents and their children should be immunized as soon as the vaccine is available in their area, and not wait until later in the flu season.

Here's one more reason to get vaccinated: New research has revealed that even if the flu vaccine doesn’t prevent you from getting the flu, it can reduce the severity of the disease. This means, if you get sick, you won’t be as sick as you would be if you skipped vaccination.

Note on FluMist: FluMist is a nasal spray that was not recommended by the CDC the past two years, but a reformulated FluMist has been recommended again this year, although The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using the injectable flu vaccine as the first choice to protect children, and the nasal mist as a second choice.

Flu symptoms often appear suddenly. People at higher risk of complications, such as those with chronic lung disease, should seek prompt medical attention. Treatment may include antiviral medicine which can reduce flu symptoms if started within a day or two of getting sick. Symptoms of influenza can include:

Help prevent other people from catching your flu. Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu. Stay home from work, school and public places when you are sick. Most people recover from the flu within one or two weeks, but others, especially older adults, may feel weak for a long time even after other symptoms go away.